Automated syringe processing stations and related methods

A method for inserting elongated workpieces in receiving assemblies in an automated mass production process, comprising:

• a) advancing a supply carrier toward a stop position adjacent an insertion station, the supply carrier holding at least one elongated workpiece and the insertion station including an arm, a receiving port and a driver;
• b) aligning a vertical axis of the driver of the insertion station with a vertical axis of the receiving port of the insertion station;
• c) advancing a receiving assembly toward the receiving port in electronic synchronization with advancement of the supply carrier to the stop position;
• d) moving, by the arm, the at least one elongated workpiece from the supply carrier to the receiving port of the insertion station, wherein the arm engages an outer surface of the elongated workpiece;
• e) while the arm is in engagement with the elongated workpiece, applying a downward force by the driver to direct the elongated workpiece into the receiving assembly, wherein the driver engages an inner surface of the elongated workpiece;
• f) retracting the arm from the elongated workpiece;
• and
• g) retracting the driver from the elongated workpiece.

An automated mass production system, comprising:

• a) a plurality of supply carriers, each supply carrier holding at least one elongated workpiece and advanceable through a stop position;
• b) an insertion station adjacent the stop position, the insertion station including an arm, a receiving port and a driver, the driver in vertical alignment along a vertical linear axis with the receiving port and the receiving port supporting a receiving assembly;
• and
• c) a control system for synchronizing operation of the supply carriers and insertion station, the control system configured to:
• i. advance a supply carrier toward a stop position in electronic synchronization with advancement of a receiving assembly to the receiving port;
• ii. moving, by the arm, the at least one elongated workpiece from the supply carrier to the vertical linear axis of the receiving port of the insertion station, wherein the arm engages an outer surface of the elongated workpiece;
• iii. while the arm is in engagement with the elongated workpiece, apply a downward force by the driver along the vertical linear axis to direct the elongated workpiece into the receiving assembly, wherein the driver engages an inner surface of the elongated workpiece;
• iv. retract the arm from the elongated workpiece;
• and
• v. retract the driver from the elongated workpiece.